This Is Us's Chrissy Metz on Being Nominated for a Golden Globe and Designing Her Own Dresses

It's no wonder that NBC's This is Us—arguably the most buzzed about new show on all of our timelines last Fall—was nominated for a Golden Globe alongside heavy hitters like Game of Thrones and Stranger Things. The family drama, which returns on January 10, follows the lives of three siblings (fraternal twins and their adopted brother) and their parents, weaving their individual stories into bigger themes of pain and love. It was also our introduction to Chrissy Metz, who's understandably still pinching herself.

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Metz plays Kate Pearson, whose story focuses almost solely on her struggle with weight. The series literally introduces her on a scale, and much of her dialogue revolves around her diet and lack of confidence. Some body-positive commentators have been quick to vocalize their disappointment that yet another plus-size character on TV is only concerned with weight loss. In our interview, she responds to those critics, talks fashion, and tells us what we can expect next for Kate. This is her.

We met the night the show premiered—how has your life changed since then?

I cannot go anywhere without somebody complimenting the show or the cast or telling us how we changed their lives. And it's so wonderful, because as an actor you always hope to book a show and have it be popular and relatable, but for strangers to literally cry and want to hug and kiss you, it's like, "Oh my goodness!" I don't think my life is ever going to be the same again. It's been really fun and I got to develop this amazing character that Dan [Fogelman] created and the network took a risk on, and I'm just really grateful.

Chrissy Metz in

Courtesy NBC Universal

How does it make you feel that Kate's weight is such a big part of her storyline?

Just like with any character, we all have backstories and things we're dealing with—hers happens to be weight and I happen to be a plus-size woman. I think you have to use what you have as an actor. Whether you're tall and you play a basketball player, or overweight and you play somebody who is dealing with the issues behind the weight, we all have to pull from real life to make those performances authentic. I think it's great that there's a platform to educate people about plus-size people and show that we're not just sitting in a corner miserable and mad at the world. There's just so much more going on when it comes to our feelings and why we do what we do.

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"I think it's great that there's a platform to educate people about plus-size people and show that we're not just sitting in a corner miserable and mad at the world."

As one of the few plus-size women in mainstream media, do you feel a responsibility to represent this group? Do you feel any pressure there?

I don't necessarily feel pressure because I know that if I stay present and authentic in my work then that will speak for itself. What I hope to bring to it is courage and the idea that our weight doesn't define us. So I don't necessarily feel pressure—I feel grateful that I have a platform to reach people. I feel like everything that we as individuals have to contend with is a little gift that we're given to be able to relate to others, to educate others and to show people empathy and sympathy. And I know that there are people who are body positive wondering why Kate's weight has to be such an issue, but in this particular story it is, and I'm happy we are educating people about the internal struggle and not just the external struggle.

Kate's boyfriend, Toby (Chris Sullivan), tries to get Kate to realize that she is worthy of love as she is. How do you feel about their relationship and the fact that it's a struggle for Kate to feel beautiful, despite what Toby tells her?

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With every relationship there are those dualities—opposites attract, and that's part of why Kate fell for Toby, because he's really gregarious and outgoing. I think she gravitates towards his confidence, and he's loving her until she can love herself. But it also scares her, because she's like, "Well, why don't I feel that way?" But beauty and feeling truly happy is an inside job, so I think eventually she's going to figure out why she put on this weight and why her story is what it is.

I'm really impressed with Kate's wardrobe on the show—the effort isn't always there when it comes to making plus-size characters look stylish on tv. What has your experience with wardrobe been like?

The team is so wonderful. They think outside of the box, and it's not "plus-size girls can wear this kind of jacket or these jeans." I love that they're always wanting to make Kate look put together and chic. They do such a great job reaching out to all different designers, making it work for a plus-size body, and making me feel good. So many women have asked about the wardrobe, so it's been great to connect to fans in that way as well.

Chrissy Metz at the 22nd Annual Critics' Choice Awards in December

Getty Images

I'm loving your outfit choices outside of the show too. Your dress for the Critics' Choice Awards was great. Who made it?

You know, it's tricky to find things to wear and not always get the same cut of something, so my stylist and I designed it together and had it made! My stylist found this beautiful fabric. I told her I liked floral and embroidery—I'm not shy about bold colors or statements—and she showed me that one and I thought it was really beautiful and different. I think there's this misconception that plus-size women can't wear long dresses or more fabric because it might make them feel larger, but I was like, I know exactly how I want this: a long gown, but kind of with a little '70s throwback vibe.

I was crossing my fingers and toes, because I know there are so many amazing shows on right now. Those cable contenders are no joke, and they have a lot more leeway than network shows, so you just never know, but I was hoping. And then when they announced it, I was so excited because I know how hard everyone worked and how much passion and love they put into the show, and I think it really shows. I'm still feeling very, very excited. I couldn't text people fast enough.

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Do you know what you're going to wear? Are you going to design another dress yourself?

We've reached out to a few people and a few have reached out to us. We're not sure exactly who's going to be doing it yet, but we definitely have some ideas. The fact that I'm even having a conversation about a conversation about a dress is so crazy—this is what you dream of!

"There are such slim pickings for bigger girls to dress cute, although that's starting to change—when I was growing up it was torture"

What's your everyday style like? Where do you like to shop?

Most of my stuff comes from Eloquii, Torrid, Lane Bryant—even Target! If I find a cute skirt, I'm not fixated on a brand. But there are such slim pickings for bigger girls to dress cute, although that's starting to change—when I was growing up, it was torture. When I'm not shooting, I'm a leggings and boots girl. I like cute and casual—for me it's all about feeling good and being comfortable.

Okay, before I go, can you give us any hints on what's coming up next for Kate?

I know that Kate is looking forward to making a decision about gastric bypass and how it would affect her. Right now we don't know what happens to Toby—finally she's found this incredible man and what happens to him might affect how seriously she takes her weight loss. So I think that's going to pose some big questions for her: Is this too much of a risk or is this something I have to do?

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